Cañon del Colca

March 1 - 4

The day after summitting Chachani I headed off to the Cañon del Colca. This canyon is big. It's the 2nd deepest in the world (the deepest is Cotahausi nearby), and at 4,160 m deep, it makes the Grand Canyon in USA (1,800 m deep) look like a tiny dent. Everywhere you looked in the Cañon, the view was stunning.

View of the canyon from near Cabanaconde

I stayed in a small town called Cabanaconde, where my Spanish was put to good practice as there was very little English around. They were very helpful and booked me accommodation in the Cañon for my 3-day hike.

On Saturday morning, I visited the Cruz del Condor, where I was able to see some of the stunning condors enjoying the early-morning updrafts (but no decent photos). I then headed off on the trek, staying in Llahuar and Sangalle. I enjoyed trekking around by myself, simply enjoying the stunning views everywhere, being disconnected from all the worries of the world...

Stunning View #1
Llahuar is just visible at the far end of the river

Stunning View #2
The track on the other side of the canyon was day 1!

After a 5.30am start, I arrived back in Cabanaconde in time for the 9.00am bus... Only to discover that a slip on the road to Chivay meant that no buses were running for at least 3 days. No problem, apparently... This was my new transport, which took an alternative route...

Standing room only!

After 3.5 hours standing in the back of the truck with some 25 locals, I got back with a few more bruises and dust in my hair to Chivay, and was able to get back to Arequipa and then on the overnight bus to Cusco, where I arrived this morning.

Time for some rest & relaxation before more classes and meeting the children for the volunteering programme tomorrow...